Federal Priorities
Payment Processing Reform — PFMA is working with national partners to reform the nation’s credit payment processing system, which is currently dominated by an effective monopoly of two companies that impose unjustifiable swipe fee charges and engage in other anti-competitive behavior. PFMA understands credit card swipe fees are near the top of the list of recurring business expenses, and because there is no real competition between the two largest processing networks, businesses are powerless to combat rising fees, unfair treatment and a lack of innovation. Inflation — Working to curb inflation is a priority for PFMA. Efforts at the federal level on this front include promoting domestic energy production, pushing for “breathing room” on cost-drivers such as tax increases and burdensome regulations, advocating for policies to ease supply chain disruptions and supporting efforts to help customers through food assistance and other programs. Illicit Trade/Organized Retail Crime/Law Enforcement — While PFMA is focused on tackling illicit trade at the state and local level, we also support federal work on this issue both on policy reforms and efforts to enforce current law. When possible and appropriate PFMA is committed to assisting national law enforcement on this issue and others including cybersecurity and fraud. Transportation/Infrastructure — PFMA members rely heavily on a transportation network that is safe, reliable and fast. Complementing our focus on state infrastructure development, we also are prioritizing work to promote good policy at the federal level. Regulatory Reform — PFMA supports efforts to reform and streamline the regulatory landscape on the federal level. In particular, PFMA supports the creation and establishment of CBD regulations to provide clarity for retailers and consumers for the production, distribution and sale of these products in the United States. In addition, PFMA believes our members are best equipped to make decisions regarding policies such as paid and unpaid leave for their employees. Food and Nutrition Support — With many food assistance programs funded and governed at the federal level, PFMA recognizes the importance of focusing advocacy on this issue toward Congress and USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. In addition to increased funding, priorities for the association include safeguarding consumer choice and making sure programs do not stagnate by consistently improving and adding enhancements like online access. Tobacco Policy — PFMA opposes an outright ban on all vapor/e-cigarette products and flavors and, instead, supports regulating and restricting the sale of the products to those over 21 years of age. PFMA believes restrictions on flavors and types of tobacco products will simply drive sales of these products underground to an illegal, unsafe black market, exacerbating crime and public health challenges rather than easing them. State Priorities Taxation — PFMA will continue to push for improvements to Pennsylvania’s business climate. PFMA’s role cuts both ways on this issue, working to promote tax law that encourages growth and expansion while also educating lawmakers on the drawbacks and risks of tax policies we believe are misguided.
Regulatory Reform — PFMA supports efforts to reform and streamline regulations at the state level. Pennsylvania’s food supply chain works best when the regulatory landscape makes sense and is easy to navigate. While advocating for improvements to liquor, gaming, labor, food safety, environmental and labor regulations, among others, PFMA also will push back on regulatory changes that do not serve the best interests of the food industry.
Workforce Development/Job Creation — Hiring and retaining workers has been an enormous challenge for PFMA members in recent years. Businesses in the food industry straddle a variety of staffing disciplines, including front-facing retail employees, back office administrative and logistics staff, warehouse workers and truck drivers, each featuring its own unique hiring guidelines and requirements. PFMA believes minimizing obstacles and giving businesses the agility to keep up with a constantly evolving talent pool is crucial both for a healthy industry and a healthy labor force. The association also supports efforts to ensure opportunities for citizens returning to the workforce. Industry Opportunities -- Including those specified above, PFMA maintains a portfolio of key issues that represent opportunities for food wholesalers, retailers, suppliers and others in the industry to grow and thrive. PFMA staff are in routine communication with members of the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office, acting as the voice of the industry to advance these opportunities through legislation and policy. |
STAY IN TOUCH
Let us know how we can work for you!
|
phone |
address |
PO Box 870
Camp Hill, PA 17001 |